Got 3 of them. They are all the same size, but each one is very distinct from the other when it comes to paint, form and even a "thumb mark". By "thumb mark" I mean the ceramic has been pushed inn on the lower side on each one. One has a deep mark, one has a very shallow one, and one has something in between. (You can barely see the shape of this on the product picture).
It's a fairly large tea cup, perfect to hold a full teapot. Like a mini-Chawan.

Advantages: Large, smooth surface all over, each cup is very unique.

Disadvantages: Nothing which shouldn't be expected from such handcraft, such as some minor paint faults here and there.

I love the look of this teacup. The white glaze is thick and shiny, resembling wet paint.

Advantages: The large size allows for an entire shiboridashi or kyusu to be poured into the cup, which is perfect for when one is drinking alone.

The natural variation in the sides of the cup feels great in the hand, and the thickness of the unglazed bottom of the teacup helps with holding the cup when it is hot.

Disadvantages: There were some cracks in the glaze, which means it almost looks like it is crumbling off the edges of the lip of the cup. I worry some of the paint could eventually start to peel, but as of yet this has not been a problem. I am careful to not use abrasive cleaning!

This cup is unique, with a swirling pattern of what looks like wet paint. A nice hand-made design. It holds a full kyusu of tea (using the dragonfly kyusu) which is why I went for a larger size...great for the mornings. It's very comfortable in your hand.

I have enjoyed this cup so much that I bought a second. The sediment from the tea forms a beautiful spiral galaxy in the bottom. Between the taste of O-cha's sencha teas and the beauty of this bowl, I'm enjoying my simple daily ritual very much. I like the larger size of this bowl. Fits in my hand perfectly.

Reviews

This is an easy gyokuro.
It has everything that Japanese shincha has to offer, sweetness, tartiness, and that rich umami flavor.
I say that this is an easy gyokuro, because it is neither of these things in excess. It is also very forgiving, and very easy to brew. I suggest using 1.0 grams/ounce, but it won't make much of a difference.
Yet, for these very reasons, I prefer other gyokuros to this one. It lacks the full, clean taste of the other teas on this site, and, to me, feels very unrewarding.

Testimonials

Hi Kevin,

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your excellent customer service in the past and for continuing to provide great products. In addition to your teas, the teaware available on the site is of excellent quality. I have ordered an Arita teacup from you, a matcha kit, and some other small tools, and I have just placed an order for the beautiful Obi Komon teacup. I'm very excited about receiving this, and I look forward to what you will be offering in the future.

Good luck this year!

Take care,

Andrew

AndrewJan 30, 2013

I was a customer for a few years and was on the monthly delivery. I admit the radiation scare made me quit ordering for a few months but have since started back after researching and seeing all was safe. My favorite has and always will be Uji Sencha Miyabi. It has a mild grassy taste. The service from O-Cha can't be beat. I receive my order faster from here than I do ordering anything here in my own country The United States. The quality of the tea I get cannot be topped by anywhere else. O-Cha is the best!